Quito Mountain Climbing, Volcanoes & Peaks around Quito

Without a doubt, one of the main attractions for tourists are the mountains. Once in Ecuador, a simple glance of the panorama explains why its fame justifies the trip to this place of the world.

Both inexperienced and experienced climbers can enjoy a number of options for climbing the Andes.

The Pacific Belt of Fire crosses Ecuador. The Eastern and Western Mountain ranges extend through the country and generate a fertile central valley, offering visitor spectacular landscapes and opportunities to see old cultures, which hide Ecuadorian treasures. Here we find high mountains and beautiful Páramo (unique in the world).

Before visiting the highest mountains in the country, it is recommended to acclimatize, climbing smaller peaks (15,000 feet or less). Easily accessible from Quito, you can find North Iliniza, Imbabura and Pichincha, which offer easy ascents.

Around these mountains are comfortable Hosterías and haciendas that serve as "bases for acclimatization" and are a good option to enjoy the pleasant climate of Ecuador while preparing for your future excursion.

This way, the hiker avoids altitude sickness and other more serious health problems.

The great attraction for visiting climbers are the four greater glacial mountains (more than 15,000 feet): Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe and Tungurahua. Located a little further from the capital, the perpetual snows of their summits are a challenge for inexperienced climbers. Visitors can reach the refuge shelters by car, before undertaking the ascent. It is recommended that first timers be accompanied by local guides to avoid deadly accidents.

The beauty of Cotopaxi contrasts with the difficulty it offers, a true challenge. Two hours from Quito, passing Machachi, it is possible to easily reach the first refuge on the skirts of the volcano. The cost for nationals is $5 and $10 for foreigners per night in the refuge hut. The hut has a capacity for 80 people and has water, bathrooms, electricity, small kitchen and cellular service. The ascent begins before dawn, an hour in which the snow is harder and less dangerous.

If your looking for more of a challenge and risk, you can consider excursions to Altar, Antisana or South Iliniza, complicated mountains with more difficult routes than the previous ones. If you prefer climbing in the Amazon forest, there are the volcanoes: Reventador, Sumaco and Sangay, smaller in comparison with the previous ones and ideal for strolls through the Amazon and enjoy its unique biodiversity.

The two most popular routes, which offer majestic views of the Páramo and the high peaks are the route of the Condor and the route of Ingapirca. The route of the Condor goes next to the volcanoes of Cotopaxi, Antisana and Sincholagua. The route of Ingapirca takes you directly to one of the main Inca ruins of the world: Ingapirca.

Due to the special characteristic of the Ecuadorian geography, a hiker can experience perpetual snows and the heat of the Amazon forest in a short time.

Tours to different destinations can be bought in Quito from the numerous travel agencies. Amazonas Ave. is a commercial and tourist center that offers services for these types of excursions. A cheaper option is to buy a map of the site that you want to visit and to start from the Bus Terminal to the nearest town of the mountain. For security and comfort, professional operators are much more recommendable.

For greater information about the best way to take advantage of the spectacular geography of the Ecuadorian mountains, visitors can contact mountaineering clubs. With many years of experience, we recommend the mountaineering Club of the Jesuit school San Gabriel, located on America Ave. and Rumipamba, the Catholic University on 12th de October Ave. or the Ecuadorian Association of mountaineering Guides (ASEGUIM), located on 858 Veintimilla and Juan Leon Mera).

Climbing mountains and volcanoes is not the only option that can be found in Ecuador to enjoy nature and challenges. Such a diverse country offers nature and a beautiful climate in many forms.